22.8.13

We can't believe it's been over TWO months since we've shared our lives with you!

I'm going to give you a snippet of what I've been up to the past couple months. You might have to LEAVE A COMMENT and tell Mia how desperate you are to hear from her! She has a bad case of the blogging blahs.....but aren't you all just dying to connect with her again? Show our girl some love. We all want her back!

What have I been doing the past 2 months?

THE BATHROOM REMODEL.

And nothing else.

Oh. My. Gosh. This is the beastliest project I've ever taken on, and mark my word, it's NEVER going to happen again. I don't care if I can't afford shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toilet paper, razors or lotion for three solid years in order to save up for the professionals to take care of it for me, I'm not ever doing this again.

With that being said, I am trudging along, accomplishing about a million things I never imagined I'd ever do. Every time I finish something, I just shake my head and say to myself, "Jilly, I can't believe you just did that!"

So remember where we were? I had just finished setting the last tile, and I was confident I was never going to lay another tile as long as I lived.

I put up the first piece of paneling, and was well on my way to paneling the rest of the walls when my right-hand working girl and {new neighbor} Melanie burst my bubble. Her adorable family moved in with us for the first week of the summer so they could finish a few things on their new home. Every time she showered downstairs, she noticed that no matter how careful she was, water was always splashing out onto the paneling. She gently explained to me that I was going to have a serious mold problem in no time flat.

I say gently because she knew I was really close to being in the fetal position in a corner of my closet regarding any negative news about the shower. And she is very kind.

I took a few days to let the news settle, then I ripped the paneling off at midnight (no small task) and chipped away the finished tiled edge so that I could continue the subway tile along the entire wall to ensure it was waterproof.

It was then that I realized the old drywall was 1/2" thick, and the new cement board I installed to put the tile on was only 1/4" thick. After a day of trying to seamlessly join the two edges together, I realized it was never going to happen and tore off all the drywall. (in a mildly manic state, I might add.)

Of course with the drywall down, I could inspect the insulation, and I didn't like what I saw. So, I put some brand new stuff in. But first I had Amadeo, my electrician, come over and move that outlet to another wall.(if you live in the Phoenix area and want his info, let me know)

Then, I went right ahead and put some new sheet rock up. All by myself. Can you even believe it? I really can't either. Please don't show this picture to your husband. I'm sure it's not done correctly.

I could spend a whole day telling you the time it took to trim out the window, but ain't nobody got time for that. After the trim was installed, caulked, and painted, I put up the rest of the tile.

And then I grouted it.

I might add that sweet Melanie has been here for me, every step of the way. She would come over and give me a little lesson and sound advice for every mess I found myself in. I really have her to thank for all that I've been able to do. She has given me major doses of encouragement when I have been ready to give up. (more times than I care to admit)

Oh, I forgot to tell you the amazing deal I got on all the subway tile. I found it at a ReStore for $8 a box instead of the $22 a box from Home Depot. Same exact tile, brand new and boxed up. I bought 20 boxes and almost broke the axle on my van. My bad.

I'm excited to tell you that I have completed several more things in the bathroom, but I've got to save the details for another post so that you'll come back. I know my riveting bathroom tale is keeping you up at night (that makes two of us) so check back next week for more progress. I think you'll like it!

And this is for you local girls. (Phoenix area) I have a friend named Kalli, better known on Instagram as @decordeals, who is having an absolutely amazing vintage sale this weekend in downtown Mesa. She was nice enough to let me bring some of my hoard treasures to sell. You are going to DIE. It's really so, so incredible. The prices are great, it's free to get in, the building is air conditioned.....what's not to love? I will be there the better part of both days, so if you come in, please say hi!

Just a sampling of some of the stuff that has been set up. You really don't want to miss this! All unique, one of a kind finds. This is the best selection I've ever seen in the east valley.

I'm happy to be back. Now let's work on getting my better half and BFF back here, too! It's just not the same without her.....and I'm counting on YOU!

78 comments:

Wow, I am EXHAUSTED after reading about your bathroom ordeal... what a PITA, as Minda would say. And speaking of Minda, where is the other half of Me and Jilly? Your blog title DOES say, Girl(s) With Good Taste, plural, right? Who is Abbott without Costello? Who is Fred without Ginger? Where is Lucy without Ethel? I remember when she would post about simple things... like what she wore (and what she paid for it) or design tips we could use in our own homes without getting overwhelmed. It was awesome. Remember how her sarcastic wit would come thru in each post, leaving us excited to hear more every week? For us shut-ins who live alone, it is the highlight of our week. But, sadly, we hear from her no more. Maybe she's moved on? Does she have a new pool boy? Is she moonlighting as Fifi LaBooty in some dark men's club and needs her beauty sleep? Has Obama entrusted her with the national defense codes and so she must spend her days waiting next to a red phone? What is her reason for abandoning us? It must be very important... Whatever it is that is keeping her away, we miss her and the dynamic that make you two such a fantastic and amazing duo. Come back, MIa!

Jill, seriously?!? You are never going to take on a big project like your bathroom again? Well as long as I am around you will NOT be hiring someone to do your next big renovation. Unless you move away from me or have a good excuse like you are 9 months pregnant and your family has no where to live unless you finish your house right now. Give it some time. You know this is just the beginning! And look at all you have learned. One of my regrets is that I could not do more in my house myself. It really is like having a baby. Very soon you will be all done and you will sit back and realize you created something amazing and you will be ready to tear into the next big project.

I cannot wait for the sale this weekend! I coming as soon as I get chance Friday afternoon!

Thank Heavens! I've missed you both so, so much! I love hearing about your adventures, your projects, your family and friends. (Great quote from musician John Gorka: "Someone said that adventures are mistakes that you survive.") I know that after your busy days (and nights, too, judging from the amount of time you spent tiling the bathroom!), sitting down at the computer and writing a post would seem like too much. But those of us out in blogland care about you! We just LIKE you, and your blog is our way of staying connected to you since we don't live close by. It's also a great electronic diary/scrapbook of your lives, and I hope that you BOTH (see that, Mia?) keep writing. Welcome back!

Jill your bathroom is looking great and I can't wait to see it finished! Despite the challenges that you have endured it looks like it's going to pay off in a big way! Good for you and Mia for taking the summer off from blogging...although I missed hearing from you two and feel a greater connection to you girls since we live in the same city, it's good that you took a much needed break. Hope you two continue your blog as it's one of my favorites:)

Enjoyed your post! I too have been through a lot of remodels and building a new home a couple of times. You're a bigger person than I am for doing it on your own. I have learned that getting a good contractor is half the battle and being on the job every day is a must! It is great when it's all done...enjoy it!

Welcome back....both of you have been missed! Enjoyed your post and look forward to seeing more soon! Reading your post was like reconnecting with an old friend. You both are such an inspiration. Come back soon Mia!

Holy jamma lamma Jilly!!!!!!!! I can't even begin to tell you how amazing the bathroom is looking... seriously blowing my mind! And Mia dear, come back please. I need to hear some stories in your voice - and since I never see you, you better get a bloggin' them! Miss you girls like crazy xoxo

hi Jilly,Your bathroom looks amazing! I am super impressed that you've done this all yourself. I adore the subway tiles and you were smart to do that back wall- besides the water factor, it looks great! Congratulations on being almost done! I see a bottle (or two) of champagne in your future!joan

SO glad to read a new post! MIA! Where art thou?? I am a total hypocrite to beg you to blog because my own blog has seen 2 YEARS of severe neglect, but I love this blog! Come, come and drink from the fount of those who blog stalk and adore every post and adventure you have!

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